Tips for Making a Great Cheerleading Try-Out

Calling all cheerleaders: tryouts are almost here! It’s time to show your stuff. Don’t know where to start? Well, we’ve got some hints to help you prepare for the big day. Grab those poms and get ready to cheer!

Practice Your Moves
Now’s the time to perfect those tumbling passes, stunts and dance routines! If you are unsure about your gymnastic or dance abilities, take some lessons at the local YMCA. This will give you tons of confidence. You can also prepare to perform you stunts on tryout day by first marking them on the ground. (If you are a flyer, practice the stunts on a bench or chair.) Remember to focus on your timing, balance and tightness.

Shout it Out
Coaches need to hear your cheers! Work on controlling your volume and projection. Yell from your diaphragm, not your throat, to increase volume and learn to emphasize key words in each cheer to keep from becoming monotone. To help you, try using a metronome to help you practice rhythm. This clock-like ticking device has an adjustable beat. It will help you time your cheers and improve your voice projection so that you shout your words clearly and with power.

Be Prepared
Come to clinics with a notebook, pen and blank tape. Ask questions, take notes and record any music you’ll need for dance routines. This will put you ahead of the game. You’ll also want to get all the necessary consent forms filled out right away to show the coaches your responsibility.

Show Enthusiasm
Coaches and cheerleaders agree that it’s important to have a positive, enthusiastic outlook, especially on tryout day. If you aren’t energetic and excited about trying out, your body and your facial expressions will give you away. Be sure to put on a smile all week long before tryouts. Also be supportive and encouraging of others when they try out.

Look Your Best
On the big day, a minimal amount of makeup looks best. Use a light gloss or lip balm to keep your lips moist and bright. Keep blush, eyeliner and eye shadow subtle. You don’t want it running when you get sweaty. Make sure your nails are trimmed (long nails are a safety hazard) and check with the coached before you use polish since many don’t allow it. Remember to pull your hair back so that the coaches can see your smiling face! Also, lose the gum. It’s a no-go during practice and performance

Relax and Have Fun!
On tryout day, take a deep breath and have confidence in yourself! Remember to stretch well before you tryout – you don’t want a pulled muscle stopping you. If you make a mistake, keep going. The judges may not even notice! But most importantly, have fun out there and remember to smile!